Highlanders Across the Provinces: NPC Round 4 Preview

Round 3 Wrap: 

Round 3 of the NPC produced some thrilling comebacks and major blowouts in an entertaining weekend of rugby.  

Canterbury withstood a determined Bay of Plenty side to defend the shield, despite the valiant efforts of Veveni Lasaqa and Nikora Broughton.  The Cantabrians held on 33-28 to retain the shield for at least another week.  

Both Southland and Otago produced remarkable comeback victories after finding themselves in difficult positions.  

In Otago’s clash with Manawatū on Saturday, the visitors found themselves trailing 24-7 in the second half before Highlanders hooker Henry Bell, making his 50th appearance for his province, sparked the comeback with a try from a rolling maul. 

Jona Nareki then hit a sharp line off a set-piece move to break through the Manawatū defence and put Kieran McClea under the posts with 10 minutes remaining. Otago continued to build pressure, with a sustained period of attack creating space for Lucas Casey to score in the corner. 

Then, with the game on the line in the 79th minute, Nareki produced an offload inside the Manawatū 22 to send Sam Nemec-Vial over in the corner and complete a remarkable 29-27 comeback victory. 

Southland are in the winner’s column for 2026 after a dramatic victory over Waikato in Invercargill on Sunday. 

The Stags and Mooloos went back and forth in a classic contest, with Highlanders lock Mitch Dunshea opening the scoring for the Stags after hitting a deceptive running line from five metres out. 

Southland found themselves six points behind in the closing stages, but a strong rolling maul put them within striking distance before Aukusitino Salanoa crashed over from close range to make it 31-30. 

That left 19-year-old Jimmy Taylor, playing just his third NPC match, with a sideline conversion to win the game. The youngster stepped up and nailed it, sealing a memorable 32-31 victory for the Stags. 

North Harbour produced one of the biggest wins of the round, comfortably beating Wellington 47-7. 

Northland thumped Taranaki as they put 42 unanswered points on the Bulls.  

Folau Fakatava and Hawke’s Bay remain undefeated after pulling away in the second half against Auckland to win 44-31.  

Sunday evening saw a high scoring fixture between Tasman and Counties Manukau. Newly signed Highlanders winger Tuna Tuitama who scored a try, was on debut for Counties. His efforts were unfortunately not enough to match a five-try haul from Tasman winger Kyren Taumoefolau as Tasman won 50-35.  

Round 3 Results:  

• Wellington 7–47 North Harbour  

• Northland 42–0 Taranaki  

• Canterbury 33–28 Bay of Plenty  

• Auckland 31–44 Hawke’s Bay  

• Manawatū 27–29 Otago  

• Southland 32–31 Waikato  

• Counties Manukau 35–50 Tasman 

Round 4 Preview:  

Round 4 brings another shield challenge for Canterbury. This time, it will be Northland’s turn to have a crack at the shield. Red-hot after their 42-0 win over Taranaki, Northland will be no easy task for Canterbury.  

Folau Fakatava’s Hawke’s Bay will look to remain one of just two unbeaten teams in the competition when they take on Manawatū. The Highlanders halfback has been an important part of the Magpies’ strong start and will come up against fellow Highlander Te Kamaka Howden and the Manawatū Turbos on Friday night.  

The Southland Stags will hope to keep momentum rolling into a difficult clash against a strong Tasman side. Highlanders youngsters Jimmy Taylor and Mika Muliaina combined well in their last outing, and the potential of this interchangeable 10/15 duo makes them an exciting combination to watch.  

Auckland and North Harbour meet in another Saturday clash, with North Harbour entering Round 4 with just one defeat and looking to continue their impressive start to the season. 

A disappointed Bay of Plenty side will look to respond after their heartbreaking Ranfurly Shield challenge against Canterbury. Highlanders loose forward duo Nikora Broughton and Veveni Lasaqa have both been prominent early in the NPC and will again be key figures as the Steamers look to make a statement against Taranaki. Highlanders backs Adam Lennox and Jacob Ratumatuvaki-Kneepkens will be looking to spark Taranaki after their scoreless defeat over the weekend.  

Waikato will take on Ioane Moananu’s Counties Manukau, with both teams looking to bounce back from Round 3 losses. 

Otago returns home to face Wellington after escaping Manawatū with a narrow victory. With several Highlanders involved in the Otago setup, including Jona Nareki and Will Stodart, there will be plenty of familiar faces looking to produce a more clinical performance at Forsyth Barr Stadium. 

Matches in Round 4:  

Thursday 20 August 

• Canterbury v Northland – 7:10pm, One NZ Stadium 

Friday 21 August 

• Hawke’s Bay v Manawatū – 7:10pm, McLean Park 

Saturday 22 August 

• Tasman v Southland – 1:05pm, Trafalgar Park 

• North Harbour v Auckland – 5:35pm, North Harbour Stadium 

• Bay of Plenty v Taranaki – 7:35pm, Rotorua International Stadium 

Sunday 23 August 

• Waikato v Counties Manukau – 2:05pm, FMG Stadium Waikato 

• Otago v Wellington – 5:05pm, Forsyth Barr Stadium 

Players to Watch in Round 4:  

Folau Fakatava – Hawke's Bay  

Fakatava has been instrumental in the Magpies’ hot start to the season. Now 26 and with more than half a decade in the professional game, the Highlanders halfback brings an ideal blend of experience and energy to Hawke’s Bay. His sharp passing, running threat and kicking game give the Magpies plenty of options around the breakdown, making him one to watch against Manawatū.  

Daniel Lienert-Brown - Canterbury 

DLB is a quiet but effective contributor for Canterbury. With more than 100 Super Rugby appearances behind him, the experienced Highlanders prop provides valuable size and stability in the front row. Recently used from the bench, he has made his presence felt at scrum time while still getting through plenty of work around the park. Expect another reliable performance as Canterbury defend the Ranfurly Shield against Northland. 

Patrick Pellegrini – Otago 

When Pellegrini entered the game at first five around the 50-minute mark against Manawatū, things started to happen for Otago. His ability to control proceedings and put his side in the right areas of the field helped lay the platform for their comeback. He may not have produced the biggest individual highlight of the match, but there was a noticeable shift in Otago’s momentum after his introduction. Pellegrini will be one to keep an eye on when Otago take on Wellington at Forsyth Barr Stadium. 

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